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By Martin Graham | 14th Jul 2024
Uruguay secured third place in the Copa America after a tense 4-3 penalty shootout win against Canada, following a dramatic injury-time equalizer by Luis Suarez. The match, held at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, concluded with a 2-2 draw in regular time, leading to the decisive shootout.
Thrilling regular time battle
Rodrigo Bentancur gave Uruguay an early lead with a well-placed shot, but Canada responded swiftly. Ismael Kone leveled the score, and soon after, Jonathan David found the back of the net to push Canada ahead 2-1. As the match seemed to be slipping away from Uruguay, Suarez delivered a crucial goal in the second minute of stoppage time, ensuring the game progressed to penalties.
Penalty shootout drama
In the shootout, Canada’s Ismael Kone saw his spot-kick saved by Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet. The tension heightened when Alphonso Davies attempted a panenka, only for the ball to strike the crossbar and bounce out. Uruguay’s Federico Valverde, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Bentancur all converted their penalties successfully. Suarez then sealed the 4-3 victory with his shot, securing Uruguay’s third-place finish.
Post-match reactions
Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted that his team “barely deserved” to reach the shootout and expressed disappointment in their overall performance in the tournament. He believed the team could have performed better given their roster. Bielsa’s assessment highlighted a sense of underachievement despite the dramatic win.
Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch, on the other hand, commended his team’s effort throughout the tournament, emphasizing that they are still developing. He highlighted the challenges of building a tactical framework under significant pressure and against strong opponents. Marsch noted the experience as vital preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which Canada will co-host with the United States and Mexico. His positive outlook suggested a bright future for the young Canadian team.
Looking ahead
As the tournament continues, Copa America holders Argentina are set to face Colombia in the final at 01:00 BST on Monday. The highly anticipated match promises to deliver an exciting conclusion to the tournament. With Argentina aiming to defend their title and Colombia seeking to claim the championship, football fans around the world are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this clash of titans.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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